Climate communications charity Comms Declare and Peak Body for Environment Conservation Council SA has welcomed a decision by South Australia’s largest metropolitan council, to move toward restricting fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship on council-controlled assets.
Onkaparinga Council will now avoid entering into new advertising or sponsorship arrangements with coal, oil or gas companies.
Founder of Comms Declare, Belinda Noble said the decision reflects growing community expectations that public assets are consistent with government climate commitments.
“Councils across Australia and the world know you can’t tackle the climate crisis while promoting its main causes; coal, oil and gas. It’s like the Marlborough man telling you to stop smoking.”
“We thank the council for showing measured and sensible climate leadership, leadership that we hope is noted at the state level and in Adelaide City.”
The vote coincided with an advertising campaign by Comms Declare to mark one year of the algal bloom crisis.
“This decision recognises that fossil fuels are harming us and that advertising and sponsorship arrangements should be consistent with climate commitments.”
CEO of Conservation Council SA, Kirsty Bevan also made comment:
“Ending fossil fuel sponsorships is about protecting our communities from industries driving the climate crisis and causing devastating impacts in South Australia like droughts, intense heatwaves, and toxic algal blooms’
“Conservation Council SA is thrilled at tonight’s outcome, South Australians deserve leadership that matches the urgency of climate change, sending a clear message to companies like Santos that frontline communities don’t want their sponsorship in local community spaces, and that public places should reflect the values and future South Australians are working toward.”
The City of Onkaparinga becomes the 22nd jurisdiction in Oceania to explore or introduce restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship.